Law Requiring Increased Parking Gets Initial OK

The Los Angeles City Council tentatively approved an ordinance Friday requiring an increase in parking spaces at new theaters, health clubs, restaurants, retail stores and trade schools.

But under the threat of a veto by Mayor Tom Bradley, the council backed away from an attempt to increase required parking at new offices, business and manufacturing sites.

Currently, most non-residential construction must include two parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of building, but homeowners near such areas as Westwood and Ventura boulevards, where on-street parking is at a premium, have been pressing for a change.

The ordinance, which goes to the council again next week, calls for four or more parking spaces for the retail establishments but keeps the old requirement for offices and other businesses.